Instant Pot Collard Greens

Name: Instant Pot Collard Greens
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; ½ pound bacon, diced; 1 large onion, diced; 3 – 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 ½ cups chicken broth; 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt; 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; ¼ – ½ teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes; ½ teaspoon Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning; 2 pounds collard greens (fresh or frozen); 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; ½ cup leftover ham or seasoning ham, diced (optional); 1 ham hock (optional)

By:

dani

Published:

October 8, 2025

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Instant Pot Collard Greens are a delightful way to enjoy a classic Southern favorite with ease. If you’re anything like me, the thought of spending hours in the kitchen can be a bit daunting. That’s why I love using my Instant Pot! It takes the fuss out of cooking, allowing you to enjoy tender, flavorful collard greens that taste like they’ve been simmering for hours. This recipe is super simple, requiring just a few ingredients and a bit of patience while the Instant Pot works its magic.

Picture this: you’re gathered around the dinner table, laughter fills the air, and the savory aroma of collard greens wafts through your home. It’s comfort food at its best. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting to explore the culinary world, these Instant Pot Collard Greens will impress your family and friends. Let’s get cooking and bring that Southern goodness straight to your kitchen!

Why This Recipe Works

Instant Pot Collard Greens are a fantastic way to enjoy this classic Southern dish without the fuss and hours of cooking. The pressure cooking method locks in flavors and nutrients, resulting in tender greens that are perfectly seasoned and ready in a fraction of the time. By using the Instant Pot, you eliminate the need for constant stirring and monitoring, making this recipe both user-friendly and efficient.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Collard Greens

These Instant Pot Collard Greens encapsulate the essence of Southern comfort food. The combination of smoky bacon, fragrant garlic, and flavorful broth creates a dish that’s not only satisfying but deeply comforting. Plus, the option to include ham enhances the richness, making it perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
½ pound bacon, diced
1 large onion, diced
3 – 4 garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ cups chicken broth
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
1 ½ teaspoons black pepper
1 tablespoon brown sugar
¼ – ½ teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
½ teaspoon Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning
2 pounds collard greens (fresh or frozen)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
½ cup leftover ham or seasoning ham, diced (optional)
1 ham hock (optional)

Cooking Instructions

Heat the Instant Pot and Sauté Bacon

Press the Sauté button on your Instant Pot and allow it to heat up. Dice the onion, bacon, garlic, and optional ham while the pot warms. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Once hot, add diced bacon and cook until crispy around the edges.

Add Onions and Garlic

Once the bacon begins to crisp, add the diced onion. Continue sautéing until the onions become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 2 minutes, until fragrant.

Incorporate Ham and Spices

If you’re using ham, add the diced ham to the pot. Cook for an additional minute to meld the flavors. Then, mix in the brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning. Stir well, allowing the flavors to combine for another minute.

Pour in Chicken Broth

Add 1 ½ cups of chicken broth to the pot, letting it come to a gentle boil. This step helps infuse the broth with the flavors from the seasonings, bacon, and garlic.

Add Collard Greens and Vinegar

Now, it’s time to incorporate the collard greens into the broth, whether fresh or frozen. Stir until they are well combined. Mix in the apple cider vinegar and optional ham hock for an extra layer of flavor.

Secure Lid and Set Pressure

Cancel the Sauté function. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and turn the knob to Sealing. Press the Manual or Pressure Cook button, setting it for 25 minutes at HIGH pressure.

Release Pressure

Once the cooking cycle completes, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. After this, perform a Quick Release for any remaining pressure. Carefully open the lid, ensuring to stand back from the steam.

Final Touches

Give your collard greens a final touch with a sprinkle of pepper vinegar, salt, and additional black pepper to taste. Enjoy this deliciously seasoned comfort food.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Instant Pot Collard Greens with cornbread or serve as a side to fried chicken or smoked ribs for a true Southern feast. Each bite of those tender greens complements the main dishes beautifully, adding a delightful contrast.

Tips for Success

For deeper flavor, sauté your bacon until it is fully crisped before adding onions. This will help build a base that enhances every bite.
If you love heat, adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste. Don’t be shy to experiment!
Be sure to mix the vinegar well with the greens to enhance the tanginess, bringing a lovely balance to the dish.

Variations

Substitute turkey bacon for a healthier option. It brings a different flavor while keeping the dish light.
Add other greens like mustard or turnip greens for a unique flavor profile. Each green offers a new twist that’s just waiting to be discovered!
Experiment with different types of ham or sausage for varied taste. Spice it up by trying new proteins based on your preferences.

Storage Tips

Store leftover collard greens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage, making them perfect for meal prep. Just thaw and reheat to enjoy the goodness later.

Pairing Ideas

Instant Pot Collard Greens pair beautifully with dishes like:
– Southern BBQ ribs
– Fried catfish
– Creamy macaroni and cheese

Each of these pairings enhances the meal, creating a symphony of flavors on your plate.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Omit the bacon and ham, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a flavorful vegetarian option. You won’t miss the meat at all!

2. How do I prepare fresh collard greens?
Wash the greens thoroughly, remove the stems, and chop them into bite-sized pieces before adding to the pot. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference.

3. Can I use frozen collard greens in this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen collard greens work great and are often pre-cleaned and chopped, making dinner prep even easier.

4. How can I add more flavor to the greens?
Adding a splash of hot sauce or a dash of smoked paprika can elevate the flavor even more. Feel free to play with different seasonings!

5. How long do these collard greens last in the fridge?
Leftover collard greens will last for about 3 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. Just make sure to keep them sealed tight!

Enjoy these delicious Instant Pot Collard Greens that bring Southern flavor right to your kitchen with minimal effort. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, ensuring you savor every bite of these tender, flavorful greens.